Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids back up from the stomach and intestines into the esophagus, and can affect a number of organs. Untreated acid reflux leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe form of the condition that affects infants, children and adults. Symptoms are triggered by alcohol use, smoking, citrus, acidic foods and carbonated beverages as well as allergy-causing foods and liquids.
Esophagus
Repeated bouts of acid reflux cause the cells of the esophagus lining to change. This leads to Barrett's Syndrome which is caused trouble swallowing and rapid weight loss and is associated with an increased chance of developing esophageal cancer. The esophagus can become scarred and develop bleeding ulcers due to prolonged and frequent exposure to stomach acid. In addition to Barrett's Syndrome and cancer, a damaged esophagus may lead to severe chest pain, mimicing a heart attack.
Throat
Acid reflux backs up through the esophagus and often continues to the throat and the back of the nasal cavity, resulting in the condition known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Patients with LPR complain of feeling as if there is something stuck in the back of the throat, have difficulty breathing and experience a bitter taste in the back of the mouth. A burning sensation in the throat is also experienced. LPR in children can cause sleep apnea, eating difficulties or cyanosis, the bluish coloring of tissues due to lack of oxygenated blood.
Ears
Sinuses and ear passages can become inflamed and irritated when acid moves up past the throat; sinus infections, croup and ear infections as well as LPR can result. Other conditions created by acid reflux include laryngitis and hoarseness, which aggravate the ear canals, impact hearing and cause pain and discomfort in the all ear, nose and throat pathways.
Lungs
Asthma sufferers tend to have a higher incidence of acid reflux because the condition relaxes the flap at the end of the esophagus, and allows acid to come up into the respiratory path. Airways become irritated and affect the lungs by stimulating the nearby nerve pathways as well as allowing the acid to transfer into the lungs. Airways then become agitated and are susceptible to outside irritants such as smoke, pollution and cold air, leading to difficulties in breathing. Repeated bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia are linked to lung irritation caused by excess acids.
Mouth
Excessive amounts of acid in the mouth cause lesions, sour taste and bad breath. Tooth enamel eventually wears away, producing a higher chance of cavity development. All teeth will be affected eventually due to the amounts of acid present in the mouth. Children with acid reflux are especially vulnerable to tooth decay from this condition.
